Musicians unite for charity event

Some of the best musical talent in the district will come together later in the month for a concert in aid of the Sperrin Unit at Altnagelvin.

It is the brainchild of young pianist Darrell Smith, who decided to raise money for the Sperrin unit following his mother’s recent treatment for cancer.

The concert take place in Christ Church on Saturday, August 20, starting at 7.30pm.

Admission is free, but the family will be collecting donations at the end of the evening, which will be presented to staff at the Sperrin Unit.

According to Darrell’s very proud aunty, Roberta Smith, the concert will not only feature her talented nephew, but also his cousin, Amy Smith, who has an angelic voice.

The super talented pianist Ruth McGinley will be presiding at the piano during the evening, while Stewart Smith will be presiding on organ and performing the duties of accompanist.

Completing the line-up will be Luke Scott, playing the flute. He is studying music in Goldsmiths University at present. “It is great to have Ruth on board fresh from her recent album launch and it will be fantastic to have her contribute to the concert,” said Roberta.

“She is busy as a soloist and accompanist throughout Ireland,” she said.

“Stewart, who is Darrell’s uncle, will feature on the organ and is busy as organist for the University of Ulster Choir, who perform throughout Ireland and have recently performed in Carnegie hall in New York. Stewart also accompanies many of the students for their degree course in Magee and is the current conductor of the Brittania concert band, having most recently acted as the musical director for the walled city tattoo. Amy, a student at Foyle College, is involved in the local music scene and has danced and sung for the local Operatic Society and the annual panto.”

Amy is currently studying singing with local teacher Doreen curran.

For his own part, Darrell is currently a student at Lisneal College and a very keen pianist.

He has taken part in various workshops with the Quercus Ensemble and has most recently taken part in a summer workshop with the Purcell School of Music in London. He as won various competitions at the local Feis and partakes in a full capacity within the music life of his school.